'Apple of England's eye' aim for Hereford

Castle Green and Cathedral Close are lungs breathing life into this blueprint, both getting big money makeovers. But High Town is its heart, home to a restored market the envy of any in the country.

And muscling in on the obvious are more offbeat ideas like the return of an Eign Gate.

Drawn up by the Hereford City Partnership, a limited company with public, private and voluntary sector representation, the plan is put to Herefordshire Council's cabinet today (Thursday), with the expectation of endorsement. Almost a year in the making it's the 'missing link' between other ambitious initiatives - the Cattle Market conversion, the Living Crafts strategy and an arts academy - outlined in The Hereford Times recently.

Cash for concepts could come from a range of European and Government regeneration programmes.

Community consultation is the next stage; an exercise set for autumn.

Here is where it might run into trouble. Previous politicking suggests anything that tinkers with traffic flow or restricts vehicle movement tends to be a tough sell.

These are options in addressing a key element, the 'imbalance' between pedestrians, vehicles and cyclists using the city centre.

Those behind the blueprint see their 21st century Hereford as 'The Apple of England's Eye'.

Chris Chappell, cabinet member for economic development, said the proposals offered an ' unrivalled draw to investment and visitors'.

But a 'lot of work' lay ahead said Alison Alsbury, Hereford city promotions and development manager.

"It's vital the proposals have the full support of all the organisations which can influence the outcome."

Set for a spruce up

ALL new Hereford? Some ideas as identified in the plan.

HIGH TOWN.

A market place that is among the best in Britain and in-line for a radical new look in returning to its traditional function. High quality temporary, semi-permanent and permanent pitches are proposed to tie in with existing commercial interests.

The removal of traffic from Widemarsh Street, High Street and Broad Street is a medium-term priority, with some sort of cover structure for markets envisaged over the long-term.

CASTLE GREEN AND

REDCLIFFE GARDENS.

This is seen as the city's principal recreational space, for evening concerts, picnics and summer fairs.

One of Britain's earliest urban promenades, the Green would be restored to a Georgian status that had it among 'the principal walks in the Kingdom'.

Developed to complement contemporary demands - shopping, play, dining out - offering 'outstanding' views of the Wye and encouragement of related river activity.

CATHEDRAL CLOSE.

Hereford's 'Arcadian' hub and integral to the Living Crafts strategy. Identified for better-defined boundaries, lighting and provision for 'quiet enjoyment'.

A three-phased enhancement initiative is proposed, with the first, a detailed plan, completed prior to the Three Choirs Festival of 2003 and the third, implementation of an agreed design, in time for the Festival of 2006.

CHURCH STREET AND CAPUCHIN YARD.

A Crafts Quarter with its own distinctive character.

EIGN GATE.

An actual gateway built to be seen from the north end of Broad Street and a key pedestrian/cycle crossing on the ring road. Developed as the principal western entrance to the city centre.

ST PETER'S SQUARE.

Potentially one of the most outstanding public spaces in the city, according to the plan. It makes a market place.

WIDEMARSH STREET/

BLACKFRIARS STREET.

Likely to become a significant entrance to the city for bus and rail visitors to the proposed arts academy. That means a brush up for the John Venn Arch into Canal Road churchyard, a gateway to the link-route between the railway station, bus station and eastern parts of the city including the new Cattle Market development.